PRIME Minister Tony Blair is backing our Pride of Bolton campaign.

We launched it yesterday in a bid to rebuild community spirit and clean up the town in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games -- and with the hope that people will continue once the Games finish.

Today, in a personal message to Bolton Evening News readers, the Prime Minister describes why he believes it will be a success.

He has been joined by MPs, councillors, business people, church leaders and local celebrities.

They all want to give the town the bright future it deserves.

But the campaign will only be a success if you do your bit as well.

Mr Blair said: "I'm delighted to give my personal support to the Bolton Evening News.

"The Pride of Bolton campaign is an excellent initiative and exactly what I would expect from a paper right at the heart of its community.

"It's a positive campaign that will build on the strong community spirit that is already one of the strengths of the town.

"And by turning the spotlight on Bolton's many unsung heroes and heroines, whose selfless efforts make such a difference, I'm sure it will only encourage others to follow their lead."

Well-known Boltonians, such as Wanderers legend Nat Lofthouse and TV presenter Vernon Kay, have also backed our campaign.

Everyone from council leaders to businesses have wished our campaign success.

There is already much to be proud of in Bolton, but we will only improve if we start working together.

That means keeping our streets tidy, joining community projects and helping the police fight crime.

The world will be watching us when the Commonwealth Games starts in the summer. If we want to show people we are proud of Bolton we have to act now.